Health

As Dahi Handi approaches on August 27, Govinda pathaks are geared up to form human pyramids to break pots of curd, butter, etc., as a part of Janmashtami celebrations. However, this tradition can also result in injuries. In an initiative aimed at ensuring safety and timely intervention during Dahi Handi celebrations, AIMS Hospital, Dombivli, has announced an emergency helpline specifically for the injured Govindas. People can call on the emergency helpline number 7506274959 in case of orthopedic or traumatic brain injuries for immediate medical assistance and ambulance services. “The Dahi Handi festival sees participation from Govindas of all ages, from children to adults, who dedicate 3-4 months to creating human pyramids to reach a clay pot filled with curd. However, Govindas can face ...

As NASA delays the return of Indian-Origin Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS), health experts pointed the risks to the human body because of prolonged stay in microgravity. Williams and Willmore became the first to ride Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5. The eight-day mission to the ISS has now extended to more than two months in space for the duo. NASA officials have expressed concern that technical glitches on Starliner may pose risks while de-orbiting on Earth. The space agency is expected to decide on Starliner`s safety levels. If it deems Starliner unfit, the astronaut duo will likely return onboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule in February 2025. However, the extended mission is likely to increase their exposure to microgravity an...

Minor brain injuries at a young age that lead to concussion even for a short period may impact the brain later, and raise the risk of dementia, finds a study.  The study, led by researchers at the University of Cambridge in the UK, aimed to learn more about the impact of concussions -- classified as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) -- or other minor brain injuries on dementia. Previous research has suggested that some forms of dementia could be related to some types of brain injuries. In the paper, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, the team analysed MRI scans of 617 people aged 40 to 59. They also studied their medical histories, focusing most specifically on whether they had had brain injuries anytime during their life. About 36.1 per cent of the participants reported having...

Mumbai doctors in Mumbai Central have successfully treated a 26-year-old pregnant woman suffering from severe cardiac complications. The patient, in her seventh month of pregnancy, was initially admitted to a hospital in Kurla with high blood pressure and vaginal bleeding. Despite being treated with medication, her condition worsened, leading to the premature birth of her baby at 28 weeks, weighing just 598 grams.  Post-delivery, she experienced severe breathlessness, elevated blood pressure, and hypoxia, along with an increased respiratory rate. The initial hospital recommended transferring her to at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central for advanced care, where they successfully treated her. Upon arrival, the medical team, which includes Dr. Gandhali Deorukhkar, OB-GYN, Dr Kedar Toraskar...

As the festival of Janmashtami approaches, the streets of Mumbai are about to witness vibrant celebrations of Dahi Handi. However, with this tradition comes the risk of injuries. There is an increased likelihood of orthopedic and traumatic brain injuries being experienced by Govindas while forming human pyramids, health experts in Mumbai have warned.  They emphasise the necessity of wearing protective equipment like helmets, knee and elbow pads, wrist supports and safety harnesses and incorporating stretching and strength training exercises to reduce the risk of these significant injuries that can make one bedridden, cause life-long disabilities or even lead to loss of life. Each year, numerous Govindas and participants face possibilities of fractures and traumatic brain injuries, indica...

Ozempic, the diet pill that took the world by storm has been under the public scanner for long, is found to be more devastating than what was originally speculated.  A study conducted at St. Vincent`s University Hospital (SVUH) in Dublin has challenged the prevailing belief that weight loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Monjaro primarily work by promoting satiety and reducing food intake. The randomised controlled trial, led by Professor Donal O`Shea of SVUH and the UCD School of Medicine, involved 30 patients and focused on medications based on the hormone Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The findings, published today in the Journal of the Obesity Society, reveal a strong relationship between increased metabolic activity caused by daily GLP-1 treatment and the amount of weight l...

Respiratory droplets might play a role in the spread of Mpox but not as efficiently as Covid-19 or even flu, said infectious disease experts on Wednesday. Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease that occurs primarily in tropical rainforest areas of central and west Africa and is occasionally exported to other regions. The disease is currently seeing an outbreak in Africa with over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been reported, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a global health emergency. It majorly causes fevers, headaches, and muscle aches, as well as painful boils on the skin. It spreads from person to person through close, skin-to-skin contact. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prolonged face-to-face interactions (such as talking or ...

Microwave ovens harbour specialised communities of highly adapted microbes, according to a new study.  This finding is significant for hygiene and potential biotechnological applications, as the hardy bacteria inside microwave ovens could be utilised in industrial processes. “Our results reveal that domestic microwaves have a more ‘anthropised’ microbiome, similar to kitchen surfaces, while laboratory microwaves harbour bacteria that are more resistant to radiation,” said Daniel Torrent, a researcher at Darwin Bioprospecting Excellence SL in Paterna, Spain. Torrent and colleagues sampled microbes from 30 microwave ovens: 10 from single-household kitchens, 10 from shared domestic spaces like corporate centers and cafeterias, and 10 from molecular biology and microbiology laboratories. T...

Doctors in Bengaluru on Tuesday successfully treated a 39-year-old mother of two with stage III uterine prolapse -- a condition where the uterus slips out of its normal position.  Her condition was so advanced that her uterus was protruding through the vagina, a rare occurrence for someone her age, as this typically happens post-menopause. The patient had been independently managing her household responsibilities, including heavy lifting, which worsened her condition. Her symptoms included severe back pain, chronic lower abdominal pain, discomfort between her thighs due to the bulging, and difficulty emptying her bladder, which could have led to kidney swelling. These symptoms significantly disrupted her daily life and well-being. After four years of suffering and multiple recommendat...

Climate change is significantly impacting mental health and psychosocial well-being, the World Health Organization said, while calling on countries to strengthen mental health systems and services to address this growing challenge. A recent report by the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) revealed that rapidly increasing climate change leads to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, grief, and suicidal behaviour. Yet large gaps exist in mental health needs and the availability and accessibility and services to address them. “Climate change exacerbates many social, environmental, and economic risk factors for mental health and psychosocial well-being,” said Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia. Among WHO regions, South-East Asia is most vulnerable to ...